97th Oscars: Nigerian Selection Committee Calls for Entries

The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) invites Nigerian filmmakers to submit their feature films for consideration in the International Feature Film (IFF) category of the 97th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars).

The NOSC, accredited by AMPAS, is responsible for choosing Nigeria’s official entry for the IFF Award. The submission portal will remain open from August 1, 2024, to August 30, 2024, at www.thenosc.org.

The IFF Award is conferred annually by the Academy to a feature-length motion picture produced outside the United States which contains 50 percent or more of dialogue in a language other than English.

The Academy stipulates that submitted films must meet specific criteria, including providing accurate, legible English subtitles, adherence to particular shooting formats, and evidence of theatrical release—detailed information regarding these requirements is available on the NOSC website.

The NOSC also announces a reformation with the addition of new members, such as Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC); Blessing Effiom Egbe, Producer/Director; Ijeoma Grace Agu, Actress; Kene Okwuosa, Co-Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Filmhouse Cinemas; and Victor Akande, Journalist, Author, and Film Critic.

Actress/Filmmaker Stephanie Linus leads the committee, which has returning members like Dr. Victor Okhai, President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN); veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde; former DGN President Mr. Andy Amenechi; theatre practitioner Yibo Koko; writer/director Izu Ojukwu; prolific film producer Emem Isong; director Dimeji Ajibola; writer/director Jude Idada; director John Njamah; and actress/polyglot Meg Otanwa.

Linus noted that the inclusion of new members brings together individuals with diverse creative backgrounds, enhancing the process of selecting the best film from Nigeria. The team is tasked with collecting, screening, and voting on entries to represent the country in the IFF category.

The 97th Oscars ceremony is set for March 2, 2025, broadcasting live from the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, to over 200 territories worldwide.